Sperm Whale Photo-identification Volunteer Position in Kaikōura, New Zealand for three-month minimum period A volunteer is required to assist with sperm whale photo-identification research in Kaikōura, New Zealand. DATES: Currently volunteers are needed from 15th October 2025. A minimum commitment of three months is required, and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. Our field season is year-round, but we are currently recruiting for up until the 15th of May 2026. FIELDWORK: The volunteer position involves conducting field surveys for marine mammals, primarily focussing on sperm whales. Surveys are conducted from a 24 m tourism vessel. The role involves collecting environmental, location and behavioural data. In addition, the position involves collecting photo-identification, specifically for identifying sperm whales based on fluke characteristics. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding, but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience. Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. This means time off during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. OFFICE WORK: The volunteer position involves office work, primarily focussing on entering field data, sorting of photos, and cataloguing individual marine mammals. Office work will provide a great opportunity to better understand marine mammal data entry and archiving of photo-identification information. VOLUNTEER POSITION: As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions provided. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Kaikōura, living expenses, travel costs and visa. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking, and patient . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research . Be able to work independently . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Have a strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Be comfortable working on boats . Be able to commit for a minimum period of 3 months QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper-level undergrads, recent graduates and graduate students who have some background in biology, marine biology, ecology, zoology, or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office Preferred qualifications but not required: . Field research including photo-identification experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . Prior experience working on research vessels APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to krista@whalewatch.co.nz<mailto:krista@whalewatch.co.nz>, using ‘photo-identification position’ as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. Best, Krista Krista Van Der Linde, Marine Mammal Research Manager | Whale Watch Kaikōura, PO Box 89, Kaikōura | www.whalewatch.co.nz <http://www.whalewatch.co.nz/> [Image] <https://www.whalewatch.co.nz/> [cid:image001.jpg@01DBA55F.A374D260] <https://www.kaikoura.co.nz/> [cid:image002.jpg@01DBA55F.A374D260] <https://www.alpinepacific.nz/> Kaikōura - An Earthcheck Platinum Certified Community – www.kaikoura.co.nz<http://www.kaikoura.co.nz/> Whakaarohia a Papatūānuku i mua i te tānga mai o tēnei ī-mera. Please consider the environment before printing this email. CAUTION: If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not use, disseminate, distribute or copy this email message or its attachments. If you received this message in error, please return the original message to the writer by email and destroy any copies.
